Melinda French Gates Reflects on 2 Things She’s ‘Most Grateful For’ This Thanksgiving

The philanthropist mother of three recently announced a book that will explore “life’s pivotal moments”

Melinda French Gates is reflecting on life this Thanksgiving.

The philanthropist posted a photo of a body of water and mountains on Instagram on Thursday, Nov. 28, with a thoughtful caption.

"I recently came across some old photos from a Thanksgiving trip I took with my family almost 10 years ago, and it made me reflect on two of the things I’m most grateful for: Making memories with my loved ones and spending time in nature," wrote French Gates, 60.

She then asked, “What are you feeling grateful for this year?”

Among the “loved ones” referenced in the Pivotal Ventures founder’s caption are the three children she shares with her ex-husband Bill Gates, 69: daughters Jennifer and Phoebe and their son Rory.

French Gates shared this meditative post weeks after announcing a new book coming out April 2025 called The Next Day: Transitions, Change, and Moving Forward. Her website says the book will encourage “readers to stay true to themselves as they navigate transitions in their own lives.”

Related: Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates' Relationship Timeline

"Over the last few years, I’ve experienced a lot of change — some of it exciting, some of it painful — so I’ve done a lot of thinking and learning about transitions," she said in a statement shared exclusively with PEOPLE when announcing the book in October.

"I decided to start writing this while I was still in the middle of this season of change, rather than safely on the other side."

The book gives readers a "rare window into some of her life’s pivotal moments," as per a press release.

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“You don’t get to be my age without navigating all kinds of transitions," French Gates added. "Some you embraced and some you never expected. Some you hoped for and some you fought as hard as you could."

Some of these pivotal moments include going to college, becoming a mom, going through a divorce, and leaving the Gates Foundation earlier this year.

Gates has previously published The Moment of Lift: How Empowering Women Changes the World in 2019, which became a best seller.

The Next Day: Transitions, Change, and Moving Forward is available for preorder wherever books are sold.